Recipes Using Sage Sausage

FRESH COUNTRY PORK SAUSAGE WITH PEPPER AND SAGE

Steps:

• Combine 1/3 pork and 1/3 pork fat in processor. Using on/off turns, process mixture until finely ground. Transfer to large bowl. Repeat with remaining pork and pork fat in 2 more batches. Sprinkle water, sage, salt, and red and black pepper over pork. Using moistened hands, mix sausage just until blended. Wrap sausage in plastic and chill. (Sausage can be prepared up to 3 days ahead. Keep refrigerated.)
• Form sausage into 3-inch-diameter patties. Heat heavy large skillet over medium heat. Fry patties in batches until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels; keep warm. Transfer to platter and serve.

PENNE WITH TOMATO SAGE SAUSAGE SAUCE

Steps:

• Cook the penne according to package directions.
• Add the sausage, shallots, and garlic to a large saute pan.
• Cook over medium heat, stirring to crumble the sausage, for 5 minutes, or until lightly browned and thoroughly cooked.
• Because my sausage is not from the store, but rather the farmer, it's not as lean as most. So while there's no step in the written recipe to drain off the fat, I had to do that.
• Stir in the tomatoes, oregano, sage, and red pepper flakes. When the liquid comes to a boil, cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 minutes.
• When the penne is done, drain well, and return to the pasta pan.
• Add the tomato sauce and cream (I dumped it into the pan with the tomato and sausage mixture, stirred it up then added the cream).
• Stir over low heat for one minute or until warm.
• Garnish the servings with Parmesan cheese.

CHICKEN-AND-SAGE SAUSAGES

Steps:

• Using 2 forks, gently combine chicken, shallot, garlic, sage, carrot, mustard, salt, and pepper. Loosely shape mixture into 2-inch patties (about 1/2 inch thick), being careful to not overwork. Place sausage patties on a baking sheet.
• Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, cook sausage patties until cooked through and golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Add more oil to skillet between batches as needed. Serve warm with chutney.

SAGE BREAKFAST SAUSAGE

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the first five ingredients. Crumble pork over mixture and mix well. Shape into six patties. Chill at least 1 hour. , Fry in a skillet for 3-4 minutes on each side or until a thermometer reads 160°.